rate your [study] space!

 

Where you study is just as important as studying itself! Okay, maybe not JUST as important, but it can make or break the time you spend doing this all important (yet ridiculously tedious) task. You need your space to be somewhere that ensures your study time is effective.  Check out the questions below and see how your space adds up… and what you need to do to change it!

Q: Is my study space available to me whenever I need it?

Your study space does you little good if you can’t use it when you need it. If you are using a space that you must share with others for any reason, work out a schedule so that you know when you can use it without being disturbed… or at least make sure the person you share it with knows not to bother you.

Q: Is my study space free from interruptions?

It is important to have uninterrupted study time. You may have to hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door, put your cell on silent, disconnect from the internet, or anything else that may be more tempting that studying. You need to be able to get focused and stay focused until the task is complete.

Q: Is my study space free from distractions?

You know what distracts you and what does not. If you need quiet to study while others need noise in order to concentrate. Whatever your style, make sure that your study space accurately reflects this.

Q: Does my study space contain all the study materials I need?

Be sure your study space includes reference sources and supplies such as pens and pencils, paper, ruler, calculator, and whatever else you might need. If your computer is not in your study space, make sure that it’s in a place where you’ll be able to concentrate while using it.

Q: Does my study space contain a large enough desk or table?

While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk or table that is large enough to hold everything you need. Allow enough room for writing and try to avoid clutter.

Q: Does my study space have a comfortable chair?

A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with your studying. A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which you can sit for long periods while maintaining your attention. Don’t do work on the bed! It is a sure-fire way to fall asleep.

Q: Does my study space have enough light?

Aside from the importance of being able to clearly see what you’re doing, adequate lighting puts less strain on your eyes and prevents headaches and fatigue.

Q: Does my study space have a comfortable temperature?

If your study place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear. In addition, studies show that if the temperature is too cold, computer users are more likely to make typographical errors. Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.

All of these are pretty ideal, so tweak them to fit your needs and resources. The key is that you find a quiet place to go when you need to concentrate. And, if all else fails, the public library is a great Plan B.

<<major reference: www.how-to-study.com>>

organization: your new BFF

my recent finals-induced hiatus from “ask miss g” got me thinking about the importance of organization and time-management. usually, i’m pretty cool in this department. in college, i rarely got all stressed out about papers and tests and random off-the-syllabus assignments that professors loooove to give (because of course you have nothing better to do). i just planned out my time, did my work, and moved on. even in grad school i haven’t been too sluggish about giving myself enough time to complete my assignments and still maintaining a life. that is, until like 2 weeks ago. it seems like everything just snuck up on me until it got to the ‘oh crap this stuff is due next week’ time and i realized how far behind i was. and in case you’re wondering, doing 2 presentations, making handouts, and writing a research paper at the same time is the opposite fun.

 

the difference between then and now is that i was not my usual freakishly OCD self when it came to organizing my time. last semester, for example, i put all of my assignments in iCal and even wrote out when i needed to start everything. a bit excessive, yes, but it was totally helpful. now i know that being organized and managing time well isn’t high on many people’s lists of things to do (& if you’re already making lists then maybe you don’t need this post), but it definitely comes in handy in college and beyond. it’s great to start early (like in high school) when you don’t have as much stuff to do. the idea is to start small and really master it so that when it comes time to put them to use they’ll be old hat.

 

here are a few tips to get started:

• color-coding: having the same color folders and notebooks for particular classes makes it helpful when you’re rushing to just grab the set and go.
• to-do lists: this the tried-and-true method of making sure to get stuff done. semester assignment lists are a good way to see what has to be done and when. and if you’re really disorganized, try weekly or daily lists just to keep yourself on track.
• computer stuff: i personally LOVE these things! google calendar lets you make different calendars for different aspects of your life and you can also set it to remind you of things. it’s like microsoft outlook… only better because it’s google.
• planner: old-fashioned, yes, but it def gets the job done. planners are especially great for remember the assignment changes that profs and teachers announce in class.

 

being organized is great, but DON’T BECOME A SCHEDULE FREAK!! i can’t stress this enough. you should use your schedule as a guide, not as a life plan. if you miss an internal deadline (i.e. one that you set rather than a due date) don’t beat yourself up. the goal is to make life less stressful, not more.